Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Alley Reconstruction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Monte Vista approves concrete reconstruction of downtown alleys, taps ARPA reserves for shortfall
Summary
After reviewing bids and concerns about damage from heavy compaction equipment, the council approved a concrete rebuild of two core downtown alleys, preferred a six-inch slab if feasible, and authorized using ARPA/general reserves to cover a roughly $214,614 funding gap. The council awarded the project to RMS Utilities.
Monte Vista City Council on March 20 approved a downtown alley reconstruction project using concrete and ARPA/general-fund reserves to fill the project's funding shortfall, and awarded the contract to RMS Utilities.
City staff described a bid process and engineering review that weighed asphalt versus concrete. Contractors at the pre-bid meeting warned that vibratory rollers used in asphalt compaction can damage older downtown buildings; engineers and bidders recommended concrete to avoid compaction vibration issues. The city's design originally included an eight-inch slab; staff said a soils study might allow a six-inch design and the council expressed a preference for six inches if feasible.
Nut graf: The project replaces water and sewer service, adds storm drains and a concrete valley pan, and reconstructs two alleys that serve downtown businesses including restaurants, the bank and post office. Staff recommended moving forward with concrete despite a budget shortfall because concrete reduces the risk of building damage and improves drainage infrastructure.
Finance and funding were central to the discussion. Staff reported a $214,613.93 shortfall to complete the project on the eight-inch concrete basis recommended by the engineer; the council chose to cover the shortfall from the city's ARPA/general reserves rather than defer the project. Council asked staff to return with cost comparisons if a six-inch slab would be acceptable; staff said the bids remain valid for 30 days and that unit prices would not change if quantities were adjusted.
Councilor questions focused on utility adjustments and construction impacts. Staff said the project will replace water and sewer lines, add storm vaults and will require occasional relocations of natural-gas lines in places. Because work will tie into building edges in tight spaces, staff said temporary construction easements beyond the alley footprint may be necessary.
After discussion, the council moved and seconded a motion to proceed with the concrete option, prefer a six-inch slab if allowable after soils review, use ARPA/general-fund reserves to cover the shortfall, and award the contract to RMS Utilities. The motion passed unanimously.
Ending: Staff said they will confirm whether six inches is acceptable and return with final figures. The council authorized the award so work can proceed under the bid prices while staff completes the soils and quantity checks.
